I don’t see her as my foster carer, she’s like my mum

Charlotte shares their experience of being fostered and how their foster carer helped to unlock their true potential.

I wouldn’t be sat here today if I stayed where I was, Cara has changed everything for me.

I’m 17-years-old and I’m currently at college studying BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care. Being in care has shaped what I want to do growing up, I just want to help other children.

I work at a Family Centre in Essex and we run sessions and groups based on specific needs, how to cope with certain situations, it just makes a difference.

I see children struggling with how to express their feelings, I feel like I’m in a unique place to understand them and to share what I’ve learnt along the way.

In five years’ time I’d like to be a Social Worker, to really make a difference in other people’s lives.”

I don’t see Cara as my foster carer, she’s like my mum. She got me into a good school, encouraged me to get good grades, she wants me to be the best that I can be. I wouldn’t be sat here today if I stayed where I was, Cara has changed everything for me.